Top Chicago acts at SXSW 2012

THE INDIE-POP BAND

Lenny Gilmore / RedEye

Deserters Bobby Lord, Jake Anderson, Kevin Sager, Justin Park, Billy Klein Have you guys ever traveled this far together before? Klein: For a show? No. This is our first out-of-state tour. And it's our first time playing SXSW. Anderson: We've only played probably six or seven shows. What's the status on any new material you're working on? Klein: We're trying to get our EP done, so it should be out soon. The date is still kind of tentative, but it¿s mastered, it's mixed, it's all done. I think we're going to release the EP as a sampler for the LP. What are you hoping to get out of the trip and your showcases? Klein: Gaining the experience of going on the road, away. It's our first time we¿ll be staying together after a show for a certain amount of days. Lord: It's a big test for a band to drive 40 hours together. Are you nervous about anything? Anderson: Money. Just worried about being able to eat while we're there. And get there in one piece and don't lose anything. Lord: Or get anything stolen. Klein: Or get too drunk before we play. Deserters perform March 18 at SXSW and April 14 at Subterranean.

Deserters Bobby Lord, Jake Anderson, Kevin Sager, Justin Park, Billy Klein Have you guys ever traveled this far together before? Klein: For a show? No. This is our first out-of-state tour. And it's our first time playing SXSW. Anderson: We've only played probably six or seven shows. What's the status on any new material you're working on? Klein: We're trying to get our EP done, so it should be out soon. The date is still kind of tentative, but it¿s mastered, it's mixed, it's all done. I think we're going to release the EP as a sampler for the LP. What are you hoping to get out of the trip and your showcases? Klein: Gaining the experience of going on the road, away. It's our first time we¿ll be staying together after a show for a certain amount of days. Lord: It's a big test for a band to drive 40 hours together. Are you nervous about anything? Anderson: Money. Just worried about being able to eat while we're there. And get there in one piece and don't lose anything. Lord: Or get anything stolen. Klein: Or get too drunk before we play. Deserters perform March 18 at SXSW and April 14 at Subterranean. (Lenny Gilmore / RedEye)

#SaveMoney's Chance the Rapper and Vic Spencer Part of the Chicago rap collective with more than a dozen members Is this your first time at SXSW? Chance the Rapper and Vic Spencer: Yeah! What do you know about SXSW? Spencer: Honestly? I heard it was like the Taste [of Chicago], but more of a musical version. Chance: Yeah! With people rapping in the street. Spencer: Yeah, a real college feel. So what are you looking to get out of your first time and your showcases? Spencer: I'm trying to make people aware of what we've got going on. Just spreading the word, you know? I¿m going to take part in some of the parties of the events Chicago cats have going on. Chance: Maybe do some videos? Spencer: Videos, for sure. My thing is to have an experience that helps me build and see what can lead me ahead. Chance: That and to take hella MySpace's MySpaces? Chance: Yeah! Remember on MySpace when you took mad pictures that all looked the same and did something like throwing up the peace sign? Spencer: Yeah, and the females would be in the bathroom mirror?! Chance the Rapper performs at the Digital Freshness showcase with MTV2 Sucker Free March 15 at SXSW and releases his "#10Day" mixtape on April 3.

#SaveMoney's Chance the Rapper and Vic Spencer Part of the Chicago rap collective with more than a dozen members Is this your first time at SXSW? Chance the Rapper and Vic Spencer: Yeah! What do you know about SXSW? Spencer: Honestly? I heard it was like the Taste [of Chicago], but more of a musical version. Chance: Yeah! With people rapping in the street. Spencer: Yeah, a real college feel. So what are you looking to get out of your first time and your showcases? Spencer: I'm trying to make people aware of what we've got going on. Just spreading the word, you know? I¿m going to take part in some of the parties of the events Chicago cats have going on. Chance: Maybe do some videos? Spencer: Videos, for sure. My thing is to have an experience that helps me build and see what can lead me ahead. Chance: That and to take hella MySpace's MySpaces? Chance: Yeah! Remember on MySpace when you took mad pictures that all looked the same and did something like throwing up the peace sign? Spencer: Yeah, and the females would be in the bathroom mirror?! Chance the Rapper performs at the Digital Freshness showcase with MTV2 Sucker Free March 15 at SXSW and releases his "#10Day" mixtape on April 3. (Lenny Gilmore / RedEye)

By our count, nearly 50 local bands are making the trek down to Austin, Texas this week for the annual SXSW music festival (March 13-18). While some will headline their own official showcases, many have packed their schedules with multiple shows each day at unofficial parties at venues throughout the city--where pricey badges and wristbands aren't necessary and the free booze flows, uh, freely. How will Chicago be represented down in Austin? Meet a few of the Chicago natives we're most excited about checking out at SXSW 2012, aka hipster Mardi Gras. Follow RedEye at SXSW on Twitter at @redeyechimusic